Unless you are a professional it is essential to hire a plumber, if your water pipes start giving you some problem. If you have no idea how to handle these pipes then it is imperative that you hire a plumber. They are local tradesmen that operate in every area all across that globe. They operate both individually and through a company. It is not at all difficult to find one if you know where to look. The individual plumbers are known to charge lesser fees, but they are not very reliable. So when you really need one, it is better to hire an emergency plumber from a reputable company.
If your service provider has adequate knowledge and training on the topic, this might be a good time to find out more about energy alternatives. He may be able to install low-flush toilets and lower-output shower heads. This is also a good time to talk about solar thermal water heating, though perhaps before the roofer is finished up top.
Some emergency service valves do not take washers and therefore you cannot repair them. If you have a washerless shut-off valve that leaks it will need to be replaced. You will need: a propane torch, solder, flux, sandcloth, a wire fitting brush, a small section of copper pipe (most likely 3/4" I.D.), a slip coupling (again probably 3/4") and a shut-off valve. I would highly recommend installing a ball valve with a drain on it as opposed to a washer style valve. If you purchase a decent quality ball valve it will last a very long time.
Leaks can come from so many sources, so you know that this is going to take time to locate and rectify. At least in this case there Trustworthy plumber is actual evidence that can be tracked. A hidden leak can drip on and on for a long time, silently adding money to your water bill.
But for more complicated issues and damages on your water system, hiring a Local plumber or contractor is the only way to go. Although, not all home insurance cover such repairs, getting the job done through the assistance of a Local plumber can greatly save you the trouble. Besides, most of these local plumbing contractors offer warranty on their work so if the issue persists, you can easily call them back to recheck the situation.
Before you hire a plumber, ask questions. Find out what kind of experience they have and if they offer service 24 hours a day. You can prevent many problems by fixing a plumbing issue before it gets worse. You should also find out if the contractor is reputable and check their references. Compare plumbers until you find one you can trust.
Once the work has been completed, ask for a breakdown of the bill before it's paid. That way, you know what you're paying for and it stops the plumbers asking for more money down the line.